Bill Text: TX HR70 | 2019-2020 | 86th Legislature | Enrolled

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Bill Title: In memory of Herbert David Kelleher, cofounder of Southwest Airlines.

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Passed) 2019-03-11 - Reported enrolled [HR70 Detail]

Download: Texas-2019-HR70-Enrolled.html

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H.R. No. 70

R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Herbert David Kelleher, cofounder of Southwest
Airlines and a legendary figure in the American aviation industry,
passed away on January 3, 2019, at the age of 87; and
WHEREAS, The son of Harry and Ruth Kelleher and the youngest
of four children, Herb Kelleher was born in Camden, New Jersey, on
March 12, 1931; he attended Wesleyan University and New York
University, where he obtained his law degree, and then moved to
Texas in 1962; in 1967, he joined forces with his friend and client
Rollin King to incorporate the company that would become Southwest
Airlines, which he served as general counsel, then as chairman,
before taking the reins as president and CEO in 1981; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Kelleher was a pioneer in adopting practices
never before seen in the industry, which established Southwest
Airlines as a titan among U.S. carriers and inspired a wave of
imitators of its affordable, no-frills model of air travel; his
business savvy and creativity helped Southwest remain profitable
for 45 straight years even as rival carriers staggered, and he
oversaw its expansion beyond the Texas triangle of Dallas, Houston,
and San Antonio to destinations throughout the country and beyond;
and
WHEREAS, Famous for his energy and humor, Mr. Kelleher
embraced his role as the face of Southwest, even starring in
television commercials and other promotions; he felt strongly that
business success hinges on the happiness of workers, and he took
care to provide his workforce with personal attention and freedom
to express their individuality, while also supporting them with
such benefits as the industry's first employee profit-sharing
program; celebrated for its employee- and customer-centric
corporate culture, Southwest continues to top lists of the best
employers in the nation; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Kelleher retired as president and CEO in 2001
and as chairman in 2008, but remained active in the company and
retained his office at Southwest's Love Field headquarters in
Dallas; he also served his community in various roles, including as
chairman of the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas from
2011 to 2014; and
WHEREAS, For more than 60 years, Mr. Kelleher shared his life
with his wife, Joan Kelleher; he was the proud father of four
children, Julie, Michael, Ruth, and David, and he was also
cherished by numerous grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, The legacy of Herb Kelleher looms large in the world
of air travel, where he demonstrated the vast potential for success
of a company based around shrewd business sense, nonconformity, and
respect and dignity for workers at all levels, and he will be
remembered with deep and lasting admiration by all who were
fortunate enough to call him a friend; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Herbert David
Kelleher and extend heartfelt sympathy to his loved ones and those
who join them in mourning his passing; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Herbert
David Kelleher.
Anchia
Davis of Dallas
Leach
Turner of Dallas
Meyer
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 70 was unanimously adopted by a rising
vote of the House on March 6, 2019.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House